Editor,

I take issue with Sen. Barbara Bailey’s use of derogatory name-calling in her July 24 “Sound Off” Op-Ed commentary. Sen. Bailey is certainly entitled to criticize the actions taken by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

However, she should do so in a civil and respectful manner without resorting to a derogatory appellation in addressing the attorney general. As a former educator, Sen. Bailey should be aware of the damage caused by juvenile name-calling. Name-calling may also belie the lack of a substantive basis for, or confidence in, the position she has taken.

In addition, I take issue with Sen. Bailey’s critique of Attorney General Ferguson performing the duties of his office. In filing a lawsuit requiring the U.S. Navy to fulfill the legal requirements of an environmental impact statement, Attorney General Ferguson is acting to uphold the principle that no person or entity, including the U.S. Navy, is above the law.

As the people’s attorney he is acting on behalf of the state of Washington and more specifically the residents of Island, Skagit, San Juan and Jefferson counties. The fourfold increase in Growler flights with noise above 115 decibels threatens the health and well being of the residents of three counties. Remember the Navy is to serve the people not the people to serve the Navy. Sen. Bailey accepts these increased flights and damaging noise as the “sound of freedom.”

I beg to differ. This is the sound of war, not freedom. The sound of damage to our community. The sound of arrogance. Attorney General Ferguson in bringing suit against the Navy is representing the people. Sen. Bailey, who are you representing?

Dick Hall-Bollinger

Coupeville